Memorial Day 5/25/20

Appreciating This Day

      On this Memorial Day, when we honor those who died on the battlefield, serv-ing our country, I'm thankful, living in the United States.


       I dwell in a great country, doing my part to make this world better.  I thank the men and women who serve and have served our country through military duty.

      I honor those who gave "the last full measure of devotion," uphold-ing our country's values.  I enjoy the freedoms I have as a U.S. citizen, they let me thrive and cele-brate independence and the richness of life.

A Day to Unwind in the Wind

        Yesterday, meandering with a friend in a roadster along country roads, we took in vineyards and countryside.  Everywhere we went, small groups of people enjoyed the beauty of Northern California.
       

        A day for light-weight clothing, shorts, and wide-brimmed hats.  Air conditioning, a Pan-ama hat, a Hydro-flask filled with iced grapefruit juice, and sunglasses made for a lovely outing. 

        I saw couples, friends, and families spread-out---social distancing style---spending time together.  Everyone enjoying 80-degree weather.   All doing the best they could to bring a semblance of community missing for the past one hundred days because of the pandemic haunting and plaguing us all.

       This was far more enjoyable than any Zoom video conference call. 

        With the top of my car down, and the windows up, thanks to air conditioning---68-degree temperature swirled around us, making the ride cozy, invigorating.  First, we dashed and slashed through pastoral Palomares Canyon road, dodging the occasional deer.  Next, along tree-canopied Foothill Road in Sunol we zoomed along, enjoying the twist and turns.

       Eventually we threaded through windy, Mines Road outside of Livermore making the afternoon and evening exhilarating.
   

       In true American style, my companion and I motored out the stress and frustra-tions of life.  It was a great way of taking care of ourselves.  It was more than that.  We thrived---a big smile transfixed on both of our faces.  Our eyes feasted on the vineyards and green hills engulfing us.

        We wolfed down the panoramic, unobstructed view of unending valleys outside of Livermore. The artificial wind created by having the top of the car down blew into our ears, a tonic for our soul, better than any tonic found at a bar.

        The wondrous emotional beauty we have when enjoying simple pleasures.  Happiness is not in how much we have but in how much we enjoy.  Our soul celebrates life when that happens.
       

        We are grateful when acknowledging the sacrifices of those serving in our mili-tary forces.  Our thankfulness grows when soaking in the loveliness of nature. Our joy and humility deepen when we know the vigor of good health, especially during this pandem-ic.

        And for that we have an  Attitude of Gratitude.

How About You? 
When and how do you enjoy the great big life you have?